DARPO Cagayan-Batanes launches two eFBS sites

The Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office of Cagayan-Batanes has launched another two (2) new sites for the enhanced Farm Business School (eFBS) program to equip agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Amulung, Cagayan and Gattaran, Cagayan with entrepreneurial skills and knowledge in farm management, marketing, costing, and basic accounting, aiming to boost their income and contribute to agricultural sustainability. 

The Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) enhanced Farm Business School (eFBS) has made a significant impact on agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and rural farming communities by transforming traditional subsistence farming into sustainable agribusiness ventures. Here are some key ways the FBS has contributed to the development of the agricultural sector:

1. Economic Empowerment of Farmers

The FBS program teaches ARBs how to manage their farms as businesses, enabling them to maximize profits and reduce losses. By applying financial management and marketing strategies, many farmers have transitioned from being mere producers to agripreneurs who actively engage in the agricultural value chain.

• Higher Income Generation: Graduates of the program have reported increased earnings due to improved farm productivity and better pricing strategies.

• Job Creation: With better farm management, some ARBs have expanded their operations, creating employment opportunities within their communities.

2. Improved Agricultural Practices

Through FBS training, farmers gain technical knowledge in modern farming techniques, proper record-keeping, and sustainable agricultural practices. These innovations lead to higher yields, better-quality crops, and more efficient farm management. 

3. Strengthening Farmers' Organizations

The FBS encourages farmers to collaborate and form cooperatives, which gives them better leverage in the market. Collective farming, bulk purchasing, and group marketing strategies have made it easier for smallholder farmers to negotiate with buyers, suppliers, and financial institutions.

4. Enhanced Market Access

Before undergoing FBS training, many ARBs struggled to find stable markets for their produce. The program equips them with market analysis skills, negotiation techniques, and product branding knowledge, allowing them to sell directly to consumers, supermarkets, and institutional buyers.

• Linkages with Agribusiness Enterprises: Some farmer groups have successfully secured contracts with local businesses, ensuring a steady demand for their crops.

5. Sustainability and Food Security

By teaching financial literacy, risk management, and diversification strategies, FBS helps farmers prepare for market fluctuations and climate-related risks. This resilience ensures consistent food production, contributing to both local and national food security.

Difference between the FBS and the eFBS: 

The Farm Business School (FBS) and the Enhanced Farm Business School (EFBS) programs of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) both aim to improve the entrepreneurial skills of farmers. However, there are key differences between the two:

1. Farm Business School (FBS)

• Traditional Approach: The FBS is a training program designed to help farmers develop business skills to manage their farms as enterprises.

• Focus: It emphasizes basic farm business management, such as planning, production, marketing, and financial literacy.

• Implementation: Conducted in agrarian reform communities (ARCs), teaching farmers how to increase farm productivity and income through structured training sessions.

• Target Audience: Smallholder farmers, agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), and rural communities.

2. Enhanced Farm Business School (EFBS)

• Expanded & Upgraded Version: The EFBS builds on the foundation of FBS but includes enhanced learning modules and digital tools for better farm business management.

• Focus: Aside from basic business skills, it includes advanced topics such as value-adding, digital marketing, climate-smart agriculture, and agripreneurship.

• Implementation: Uses interactive methods like experiential learning, market linkages, and more comprehensive mentorship programs.

• Integration with Technology: EFBS integrates modern farming technologies, e-commerce, and agribusiness innovations to help farmers adapt to changing agricultural trends.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Farm Business School (FBS)	Enhanced Farm Business School (EFBS)
Scope	Basic farm business management	Advanced farm business & agripreneurship
Focus	Traditional farm-to-market approach	Digital marketing, value-adding, & modern techniques
Training Method	Standard classroom-based learning	Interactive, hands-on, and technology-driven
Technology Use	Minimal	Incorporates e-commerce, ICT, & digital tools
Market Linkages	Basic	Expanded to broader markets (e.g., online selling)

Which is Better?

• If a farmer needs foundational knowledge in business planning and farm management, FBS is a good starting point.

• If a farmer wants to scale up their agribusiness, use digital tools, and explore wider markets, the EFBS is more beneficial.

The DAR’s enhanced Farm Business School has become a game-changer for Filipino farmers by shifting their mindset from traditional farming to agribusiness entrepreneurship. With its continued implementation, the program holds the potential to further uplift rural communities, reduce poverty, and enhance the agricultural sector’s overall competitiveness.                  Photos: Rosemarie Cardona

 

San Mariano AR Coop starts operation of Project INSPIRE

In the heart of Lal-lo, Cagayan, the San Mariano Agrarian Reform Cooperative (SMARC) stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation in the agricultural sector. Established on May 10, 2021, SMARC has been unwavering in its commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of its members through sustainable farming practices. 

​The San Mariano Agrarian Reform Cooperative (SMARC) is recognized as an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO). This designation indicates that SMARC comprises agrarian reform beneficiaries who collaborate to enhance their agricultural productivity and livelihoods. The cooperative has been a recipient of various support initiatives from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), among others. A significant milestone in their journey is the recent inauguration of a ₱5.5 million swine facility, a project realized in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA) under the Integrated National SwineProduction Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program.

A Timely Intervention Amidst Challenges. The swine industry in the region faced a severe setback due to the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, which led to substantial economic losses among local farmers. In response, the DA launched the INSPIRE program to rejuvenate the swine industry by providing essential infrastructure and support to affected communities. SMARC emerged as a key beneficiary of this initiative, receiving a state-of-the-art swine facility designed to bolster their livestock operations and promote long-term agricultural sustainability.

State-of-the-Art Facilities for Sustainable Growth. The newly inaugurated facility is equipped with advanced features aimed at enhancing productivity and ensuring biosecurity. It includes a modern piggery with a ventilation system, a biogas facility for waste management, a caretaker shower room to maintain hygiene standards, and a perimeter fence for security. These features not only aim to increase production capacity but also ensure that operations adhere to environmental and health standards, setting a benchmark for sustainable livestock farming in the region.

Community and Leadership Endorsement. The project's significance was underscored during the turnover ceremony, where National Livestock Program Deputy Director Nover Lee Calub emphasized that the initiative transcends infrastructure development. He highlighted its role in shaping the future of families and the broader community, stating, "This is not just about a facility; it's about the future of your families and the future of your community." Local leaders echoed this sentiment. Vice Mayor Maria Olivia Pascual expressed gratitude for the timely support, acknowledging its potential to mitigate the adverse effects of the ASF crisis in the region. Ricky Cabañero, chairperson of SMARC, credited the project's success to collective effort, emphasizing that it represents a shared vision for a sustainable agricultural future.

A Vision for the Future. With the support of the INSPIRE program, SMARC is poised to make a significant impact on local agricultural practices and contribute to national food security efforts. The cooperative's proactive approach serves as an inspiring model for other agrarian communities, demonstrating that through collaboration, innovation, and resilience, it is possible to overcome challenges and pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future in agriculture. Photos: Ricky Cabanero

PRIMER on the ALERT-ARBOs Credit Program

The Accessible Loans for Empowered, Resilient, and Transformed Agrarian Reform
Beneficiary Organizations (ALERT ARBOs) Program is a collaborative initiative in the Philippines aimed at providing timely and affordable credit to eligible Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) and their members. This program is jointly implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). ​

As the successor to the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP), the ALERT ARBOs Program focuses on enhancing the financial capacity of ARBOs, enabling them to support their members' agricultural endeavors more effectively. ​

Overall, the ALERT ARBOs Program plays a crucial role in strengthening the capabilities and resilience of agrarian communities by providing essential financial resources and support services.

PRIMER ON THE ALERT-ARBOs CREDIT PROGRAM

1. What is the ALERT-ARBOs Credit Program? The Accessible Loans for Empowered, Resilient, and Transformed Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ALERT-ARBOs) Credit Program is a government initiative designed to provide affordable and timely financial assistance to Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) and their members. This program supports agricultural productivity, sustainability, and economic growth among agrarian communities.

2. Who implements the ALERT-ARBOs Program? The program is a collaborative effort among several government agencies, including the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).

3. What are the objectives of the ALERT-ARBOs Program? (1) To provide accessible and affordable credit to ARBOs and their members; (2) To improve agricultural productivity and economic resilience; (3) To strengthen ARBOs by enabling them to offer financial support to their members; and (4) To promote financial inclusion and self-reliance among agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

4. Who are eligible to avail of the credit assistance? Eligible borrowers include: (1) Registered Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs); (2) Individual Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) who are members of qualified ARBOs; and (3) Smallholder farmers and fisherfolk engaged in agricultural production and related activities.

5. What types of financial assistance are available under the program?  (1) Production loans for crops, livestock, and other agricultural ventures; (2) Loans for agri-business and value-adding enterprises; and (3) Credit support for post-harvest facilities and farm mechanization.

6. What are the loan terms and interest rates? Loan terms vary depending on the type of project funded (e.g., short-term for crop production, medium to long-term for agri-business investments). Interest rates are set at affordable levels to ensure accessibility to smallholder farmers and ARBOs.

7. How can ARBOs and ARBs apply for loans? Interested ARBOs and ARBs can apply by following these steps: (1) Contact the nearest DAR provincial or municipal office for initial screening and requirements; (2) Submit the necessary documents, including proof of ARBO registration and business/project plans; (3) Undergo loan evaluation and assessment conducted by partner financial institutions. If approved, receive the loan disbursement and comply with repayment terms.

8. What are the benefits of the ALERT-ARBOs Program?  (1) Increased access to affordable credit for ARBs and smallholder farmers; (2) Enhanced productivity and income for agrarian communities; (3) Strengthened financial and managerial capacity of ARBOs; and (4) Greater support for farm modernization and sustainable agriculture.

9. Where can applicants get more information? For more details, interested parties can visit the official websites of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), or the Land Bank of the Philippines. They may also inquire at the nearest DAR provincial or municipal office.  Photo: DAR-Palawan

Local Program Management Committee (LPMC) meeting for ALERT-ARBOs at DAR Regional Office 02: 

DAR milestones in GAD advocacy

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of the Philippines has been instrumental in advancing Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE), supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and promoting sustainable development in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (AFF). Through various initiatives, DAR has significantly contributed to uplifting rural communities and fostering inclusive growth.

Empowering Women in Agrarian Communities

Recognizing the pivotal role of women in agriculture, DAR has implemented several programs aimed at enhancing their participation and leadership. A notable initiative is the Value-Chain Innovation for Sustainable Transformation in Agrarian Reform Communities (VISTA) project, launched in January 2025. With a budget of P6.2 billion, VISTA aims to empower 175,000 female farmers by addressing the root causes of rural poverty and creating economic opportunities for approximately 350,000 individuals, half of whom are women. 

In addition to VISTA, DAR has institutionalized gender equality within its operations. The department issued Administrative Order No. 01-11, which provides guidelines for mainstreaming Gender and Development (GAD) in the implementation of agrarian reform laws. This order ensures that both men and women have equal access to resources and opportunities, promoting a more equitable agrarian sector. 

Supporting MSMEs in Agrarian Reform Areas

DAR acknowledges the importance of MSMEs in driving rural development and has established policies to facilitate their growth. The Microfinance Policy Framework for Agrarian Reform Areas, outlined in Memorandum Circular No. 17, Series of 2003, aims to provide effective delivery of financial services to household and community-based enterprises. This framework emphasizes savings mobilization, capital build-up generation among agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), and the promotion of sustainable microfinance institutions. 

Furthermore, the Microfinance Capacity Development Program in Agrarian Reform Areas (MicroFin_CAP@ARAs), initiated in collaboration with the Land Bank of the Philippines, focuses on building the capacities of ARBs to engage in viable microfinance activities. This program enhances the entrepreneurial skills of beneficiaries, enabling them to establish and manage successful MSMEs. 

Advancing Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry

DAR’s commitment to sustainable development in AFF sectors is evident through its Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) Development Strategy. Adopted in 1993, this strategy focuses on priority agrarian reform areas to maximize resource allocation and mobilization. It aims to improve the quality of life, promote people empowerment, and foster sustainable agro-industrial development within agrarian communities. 

Additionally, DAR’s Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program seeks to increase the resilience of agricultural communities. By developing climate-resilient infrastructure and providing support services, ARCCESS enhances food security and promotes sustainable livelihoods among ARBs. 

Through these comprehensive initiatives, the Department of Agrarian Reform continues to champion women’s economic empowerment, support the growth of MSMEs, and advance sustainable practices in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, thereby contributing to the overall development and prosperity of rural communities in the Philippines.

DARPO Cagayan 2025 Women's Month Celebration - 

Cagayan PLGU opens new One Town, One Product (OTOP) store

In a significant move to bolster local entrepreneurship and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Cagayan province, the Provincial Government of Cagayan (PGC), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) inaugurated a new "One Town, One Product" (OTOP) Philippines Store on March 11, 2025. Located at the Gasat Hall within the Capitol Compound in Tuguegarao City, this initiative underscores a commitment to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and promoting indigenous products.

The establishment of this OTOP Hub is a continuation of Cagayan PLGU’s vision to create platforms that highlight local craftsmanship and agricultural produce. The journey began with the construction of a visitor’s pavilion in Nassiping, Gattaran, serving as a tourist stopover and the first OTOP Hub in the area. This initial hub garnered regional and national accolades, reflecting its success in promoting local products. Also various OTOP products from Agrarian Reform Organizations (ARBOs) are also available at the new OTOP store. 

The new OTOP Hub operates on a consignment system, allowing local producers to display and sell their products without incurring rental fees. The PLGU oversees various operational aspects, including marketing, supplier coordination, store management, and product displays. This arrangement ensures that micro and small businesses achieve a high return on investment, fostering a supportive environment for local entrepreneurs.

The OTOP program, spearheaded by the DTI, aims to stimulate the promotion and development of MSMEs by utilizing indigenous raw materials and local skills. This initiative aligns with national efforts to empower local economies and promote sustainable development.

The new OTOP Philippines Store inaugurated in Cagayan province signifies a robust collaboration between government agencies and local communities. By providing a dedicated platform for local products, the initiative not only enhances the visibility of Cagayan's rich cultural heritage but also strengthens the economic foundation of its communities. Photos by: CPIO